Jul 25
2006
Tony| Category: General, Exploring, All about me, In the Reflecting Pool |
It’s possible that my dearth of posting (ten days is a long time for me these days) is related to the fact that last week, I had class from 9-4, and then needed to work out. It could also be because this weekend TLEMK and I drove 800 miles to see people that I could legally marry, yet still fall within the family tree.
The 66th Annual McIntosh Family Reunion took place in Medina, Ohio, which is about 45 minutes south of downtown Cleveland. Medina is home to one of V’s first cousins, which are actually more rare than me staying on a diet without potatoes for more than a week. TLEMK has a grand total of three first cousins on her mother’s side, and almost two on her father’s side, bringing the total to five cousins. With only four total on the maternal side, and with each of them living in different states (California, Illinois, Ohio, and Virginia), it is only about once every three-five years that they’re all under the same roof. But by attending the reunion this weekend, you would never know that these people rarely see each other. This reunion has been taking place consecutively for the last 60 or so years. That means every year, there is a family meeting, with minutes taken, debate over next year’s site, the treasury of the family, letters and updates from those who can’t attend, and this year, singing! To someone who didn’t grow up with family reunions, and had many, many, many cousins around (at least fifteen, and don’t even get me started on my stepdad’s family), it was a little overwhelming to see the display of family-ness and togetherness that these people shared with each other for a weekend. Thoughts and reflections:
The McIntoshes are organized.
There is a minutes log of each family meeting dating back to 1939. It’s been passed down all this time, complete with photographs stuck into the journal. There is also a family album that has pictures of the reunion, and original family members. Some of the photos date back to 1906, and they’re all organzied chronologically, and have everyone’s name in the caption. For the record, I debuted in the family album at the 2001 family reunion, as the official photographer for the offical reunion photo (not married or blood related, not in the picture.) This was my first year being in the photo itself.
There is also a family tree that nearly ran the length of the garage wall. It’s always really helpful to study it, because you *almost* figure out how you’re related to everyone there. First-cousin, twice removed is pretty closely related these days in the family.
Many a McIntosh Age Well
Whereas the original reunion pictures revolved around the the original eight children of Charles McIntosh, (TLEMK’s great-grandmother, Marie McIntosh {Barker} was the oldest girl) they have all passed on. Their children are the oldest generation now, and Lord, are they a collection. The twins, Wes and Les, at age 70-something,(74? 75? 76?) along with their sister Eloise, who is in her early 80s, are probably some of the most engaging people there. Wes and Les were seen playing Frisbee, catch with a baseball and glove, and at one point during one of the frequent downpours on Saturday, I saw Les actually running through the rain. Their cousin, David McIntosh pretty much dominated all conversations. At 82, he brought his violin to lead us in church hymns and folk songs after the family meeting. He lives in Bloomington, and was a music teacher for years and years, and still plays viola, guitar, and sings in the Bloomington Chamber Music Association. Apparently he’s also very spry. When asked by V what he and his wife were giggling about, he had no problems saying, “Sex. It’s pretty much what I’ve thought about for most of my life.” At least his wife had the decency to blush. The fifth cousin there, George McIntosh, had a strong handshake and a twinkle in his baby blue eyes, despite the fact that he’s using a walker these days. Looking back in the photos from the late 40’s and 50’s, he was definitely the hunk of the family. (Is it weird to have a man-crush on someone from fifty years ago? Just asking…)
The five first cousins were seated prominently in the middle of the picture, with us riffraff off to the sides. Missing was cousin Dorothy, who promised to try to make it next year (more on this in a moment.)
Where Everyone Knows Your Name
Despite the murky relationships, and the fact that they only see each other maybe once a year, everyone knows everyone in the McIntosh Family. The aforementioned cousins, except for David (who I met that day), all greeted me warmly, like we’d just seen each other last week. It was heartwarming, and that’s saying something for someone as cynical as I am. The atmosphere was that you could pick up and be part of that family, as long as you’re willing to bring a dish to pass, and have a great time. It was truly remarkable. At the same time, it was a little bittersweet because it makes me realize that my families don’t get together nearly enough. Sure, we’re there for weddings and some holidays, but I’ve never felt this seeming-closeness that this family gives off. Maybe I’m making it up, but they all knew each other, and cared for each other. It made me want to get to know my cousins better, and my family members better. I suppose their’s nothing stopping me, but it feels weird. “Hey, person that could potentially donate bone marrow to me, wanna go out to dinner?” I’ve just never been that comfortable putting myself out there, and I guess I need to if I want to capture the idea of family. (Mom, Mrs. Waj, this would be an excellent topic for you to weigh in on, either online or offline). We topped off the evening by sitting around the fire pit with V’s cousins, talking and drinking into the night, mostly about family and how they can be messed up. (Not mine; I had relatively little to say, which is always a shock to my mouth-muscles.)
More Sweet Than Bitter, Bitter Than Sweet.
As the older generations started to leave, I watched with dread as the twins loaded their elder sister (who is now in a wheelchair) into their motor home. The three of them do not have any children or grandchildren, and they live together by themselves in Wisconsin, on their parent’s land. These three are independent, but they are slowing down, and I worry about them and their ability to stay independent. Who is going to take care of them? Les is in the best shape, but he won’t stay like that for more than four or five more years. During the meeting, TLEMK and I bravely put our name in the hat to host next year’s festivities (which also include expanding the reunion to a mini-vacation for people; you’ll hear more of that down the road), and everyone thought it would be a great idea for us to host. I could only wonder if all six of the eldest generation would make it to the festivities; at this point, it seems like they will, but who can say? I know it’s depressing, but I wasn’t the only one to notice it. It was commented after the meeting that us having the reunion will centralize it a bit more for the elder generation, making it more likely for them to attend.
Looking Forward
Next year, we are hosting. THAT is a scary thought. I’m full of ideas and organization now, but will I be when January rolls around and I have to start sending out the information? Hopefully, yes. Plenty of familiy members offered to help out. Know this: The week of July 16th-July 22nd will be full for me next year. I am already mentally blocking other things out. I’ll also be soliciting ideas for organized activities that can span several generations. It should be a great time, but lots of work.
How do you feel about family reunions? Have you had experiences with them? Comment and vote!
Thanks for listening.
Jan 11
2006
Tony| Category: General, Techie, not Geekie, Exploring |
Beam weapons almost ready for battle - Space.com - MSNBC.com
How awesome is that? Yes, war is bad, death is bad, but these have some potential to significantly reduce casualties. I especially enjoyed the idea of the “voice from the heavens”, and the Active Denial Technology… Like a forcefield! And nonlethal! Schweet.
Oct 10
2005
Tony| Category: General, Entertainment Tonight, Exploring |
Lord, three days makes for great relaxation.
This is not a funny ebjournal entry. It is designed to preserve memories. Maybe I’ll be funny next week, but probably I’ll only succeed in making you chuckle, or groan.
This weekend, several buddies, family members, and assorted hangers-on joined TLEMK and I at Kettle Moraine’s Ottawa Lake Campground, near Eagle, WI.
For three nights, we sat around a campfire. I learned how to chop wood with a hatchet (Thanks, Waj, for the technique pointers), I learned that hiking is fun, and I learned that Catchphrase (the game) can net you a visit from park rangers.
After loading the car up Thursday night, we left promptly afterschool on Friday, and got to endure the lovely traffic of Rand Road at rush hour. 2 hours later we pulled into our campsite. The Jo’s were already there, setting up their tent. As the night wore on, the WAJ’s, Mr. McCurtis, the Snow lady, Kenny, and Stuck rolled in. Highlights included sitting at the fire, drinking around the fire, and getting takeout from the Coyote Canyon because we didn’t stop on the way up. Good times. The temperature dropped to at least 37 degrees F, and Kenny’s car warned us that conditions might be icy. After donning approimately 3.1415759 layers of clothing, and my Bears cap, I felt almost ready to take on the night. We chitchatted until about midnight, and then went to shiver in our tents. Mmm, tent camping. Between the bedroll, sleeping bag, comforter, and SmartWool(tm) socks, it really wasn’t that bad.
Saturday brought a long day o’ fun.
We started the day off we tasty McCurtis specials, and hot chocolate. (A McCurtis is an English muffin, buttered, with bacon (buttered), sausage patty (also buttered), egg (cooked in bacon grease) and topped off with cheese from the USA. The key to the McCurtis is in the delivery. Once it comes off the camp stove, and is assembled, it’s handed to you in a paper plate, which is folded. It makes a big diffeence, that’s for sure. You then have to wait for at five minutes, or deal with the Burning Effect of the Sauasage Patty.)
After breakfast, we headed for the trails. We did a little over five miles over different types of terrain. I agree with Kenny, in that we went a little too fast, not because I’m out of shape, but that I missed a lot of the scenery. AND I’m out of shape. We stopped for a picnic about halfway through, and then came back on the Ice Age trail. It was a great walk. Stuck will be posting pictures soon, right Stuck?
The Jo’s left, and the Zigzags and the Tylers showed up, along with Dev and Christie.
At this point, we started foraging for dead wood to add to the fire. Since we found big chunks of trees, we got to chop wood. Having never chopped wood, I must say gentle readers, that I am not a natural. In fact, I suck at it. But with a little help from my friends, I sucked less.
Saturday afternoon and evening consisted of chili, beer, hot dogs, whiskey, whiskey, and wait for it, whiskey. We also played Catchphrase, a game similar to Taboo (crossed with Hot Potato), where people yell things out, and then pass the catchphrase frisbee to the other team. After 40 minutes of raucous playing, a park ranger, younger than ANY of us, came in and chided us for “being able to hear you halfway across the campsite”. This I believe because it was quite possibly the quietest campground ever, and sound carried very well. So then we continued to stare at the campfire, and drink.
Sunday was lazy day at the camp. We sat, ate way too much, read, and basically enjoyed the weather, the fire, and the eating. Did I mention the snacks? So tasty.
All in all, a terrific weekend. Sitting and letting go of school, and grad school was a wonderful way to recharge for the push that is October, November, and December. I need to post pictures… someday.
Now, time to get back to work. Talk to you all soon!
Sep 07
2005
Tony| Category: General, Exploring |
I just flipped off President George… I’m going to Diz Knee Land…
*Wha?* Sorry, I was just reminiscing about my last post, in which I think I got pseudo-spam.
Anyway, how are YOU, faithful 3.1415759 readers? I had a whirlwind weekend, the forthcoming recap of which is not designed to bore you, but to enlighten you.
Friday night, we flew out to the O.C. via American Airlines, who’s motto (”More Leg Room, Less Shoulder Room”) left me gazing enviously at the first class and their jumbo bag of pretzels. I’ve already documented that I don’t like flying. However, instead of drinking before the flight, on this particular flight I tried drinking on the plane. Maybe it was Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but I think the Jack Daniels mini actually helped. It was tasty, anyway. Oh yeah, the in-flight move was preadolescent chick flick mentioned above. TLEMK’s vote: LAME. Mine: Not as lame as I thought it would be. It was nice to see Alexis Bledel and Amber Tamblyn getting work… playing their exact same TV characters in a movie. We all know I’m a sap, so I’ll move on.
Nothing really eventful happened once we made it to the hotel. We had a kingsize bed. It shore were nice.
Bright and early Saturday morning, we got all gussied up for the wedding of V’s cousin. The wedding took place on The Entertainer, one of those big boats that accomodates 150 people, and yet has only one male and female bathroom. The wedding ceremony last LITERALLY 6 minutes. They walked into a song, they exchanged vows, and pronounced by the captain of the ship, they were married, and walked belowdecks. Then we proceeded to drink as much as possible for the next 3.5 hours. My choice for the momentous occasion was the ever-popular 7&7. It was powerful good, aided by my brother-in-laws keeping my glass filled up to the tip-top. It looked like this:
I had a great time at the wedding reception, which was short enough that I didn’t feel like I was obligated to dance more than three songs.
Afterwards, I got to go to my favorite burger joint in the whole world, which is saying a lot because, well, I don’t really like burgers: IN N’ OUT. Folks, the meat is fresh, the fries are fresh, and they speak a separate language. I got two 2 x 4’s, ketchup instead, and an order of piping hot fries. SO GOOD. The rest of the evening was spent hanging out in the insect-free region known as Southern California. We gathered a couple patio tables, and drank well into the night, interrupted only by a Frosty run, and an hour-and-a-half debate with an uncle and a cousin about the state of education, No Child Left Behind, and character education. I wasn’t inebriated, so it was very hard to follow the circular logic at times. Props to B, my bro-in-law for instigating the discussion, and then sitting back and watching like one of those cats you see watching Pong or a tennis game. (What, too archaic? Obscure?)
Sunday (waaaaaaaay too early) brought the 9 immediate family members (plus V’s Uncle Craig) together for a sojourn to the land of the giant mouse.
Here’s a formula for disaster–
Drinking late + 50 year celebration of Disneyland opening + Labor Day Weekend = 3 rides in 3 hours.
So things were moving REALLY slow in Anaheim on Sunday. We had to wait in two lines just to get into the park.
Also this was not a normal Disney excursion. It was also the first foray into amusement parks by our two and a half year old nephew.
Here’s another recipe. Guess if you can calculate the outcome:
2 and a half year old off sleep routine + waiting in line for an hour + Space Mountain (which is mostly pitch black) =
???
Screaming. The answer, gentle readers, is screaming. Maybe Space Mountain wasn’t the best choice for him, followed quickly by one of those 3-D movies where things seem to blow up on you. He got better, but seriously, the boy did not like not knowing what was going to happen next. In the words of my sister-in-law, “It was kinda funny because he was terrified and screaming but excited all at the same time, and I knew nothing could happen to him, so I felt like laughing at him.”
As a Public Service Announcement, I can tell you that Disney’s California Adventure Theme Park SUCKS. The one roller coaster that they have was closed, and had been for the last five weeks. It was not worth the extra cost to get both parks (which are right across the street from each other) on a one-day ticket.
After losing V’s sister, who is 19, (really, who loses a crowd of nine? When you’re 19? 
) but didn’t have a cell phone, and couldn’t find us in the park, tempers were running high. We also lost V’s dad later, but that’s another story for another day. It was all solved by tasty Outback, at a very late dinner.
Monday, we flew back. The plane made a noise that scared V, which almost caused my testes to permanently ascend. (She’s MY rock). This was after having to go through extra screening, three hours before our flight, including very personal wand-waving, and shoe removing. because Someone lost their current driver’s license on the flight to California, which also induced near-panic on Friday. (What if we never get home?) For what it’s worth, that Someone’s name starts with T and ends with LEMK.
All in all, a beautiful weekend. I’m hoping to get more pictures up, but people, it’s been busy. Between celebrating the wedding and the aformentioned birthday, and with starting grad. classes again, it’s hard to make the pictures pretty. *Whew!*
GOOD NIGHT.
Sep 05
2005
Tony| Category: General, Entertainment Tonight, Exploring |
The following was typed in my adreneline/panic - induced semi-comatose caffeine hyped state on Friday, as we flew out to the the left coast for a California style wedding. More updates soon!
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your ebjournaler speaking. Coming to you live from 34,000 feet above the Earth. Um, it’s freaky as usual.
Welcome to my random ranting as I desperately cling to the hope of survival.
A couple things that are on my mind:
1) Katrina. There are so many feelings that I have about this subject. I am devastated by the loss of life, by the inhumanity of people, and amazed that the thing most of us not directly affected (by living, or being related to people down there) are discussing how this is going to affect gas prices. Yes, gas prices. I would gladly pay five dollars a gallon if it meant there wasn’t as much suffering for the people that are living in the cesspool that is New Orleans. I can’t pretend to know how those people feel, nor would I even want to learn, but it depresses me that the media coverage is on the anger of the people down there, the looting, and the continued destruction of the city. I don’t know if there will be a Newer Orleans, but I hope ALL are watching and learning. On the flip side, I hear that the six major networks, along with cable stations, will be doing a roadblock broadcast for a major fundraiser, along with what happened in the aftermath of 11/9 (I’m European.)
Recently, on NPR, I heard a fairly long piece on how Americans, per capita, give the most to charities when compared to other “modern” countries. I contribute where I can, but I don’t know if any of us will ever feel like it is enough. Wow, this isn’t what I’m trying to get across. My point is, I feel helpless, and that we, as a people, give a lot, and I don’t know if I’ll ever feel not guilty about not giving more (Must be my former Catholic side. 
)
2) Our Clueless Leader. I’m so happy that the President decided to cut his five week vacation short by two days. You go, boy. I try REALLY hard not to get political here, because my purpose is well, to journal. But any soundclip I hear recently of Mr. Bush Jr. makes me long for the days of Bubba C. To point:
“It’s important to conserve energy. Don’t buy gas if you don’t have to.” (I’ll try to find the exact quote soon. But, the part about buying gas if you don’t have to, vintage W.) WHO IS HOARDING GAS???? It’s not like a sale on Rubbermaid tubs, that you can store in your basement for when you have to add ANOTHER box to the Christmas decorations. IT’S GAS.
Better now. For what it’s worth, the other sound clip that has stuck in my head is “We need immediate action now.” Thunk.
3) We landed. I lived. O.C. updates, complete with pictures, fantasy football draft results, and how spending three hours at the airport can be a good thing… all in the next few days. Until then, enjoy Waiterrant.
Jul 11
2005
Tony| Category: General, Exploring |
Yes, it’s been too long since I’ve updated, but at least I update (see: Josh, Waj).
We just got back yesterday from the Smoky Mountains, and hiding from redneck heaven. The smoky mountains are on the southeast border of Tennessee and the northwest border of North Carolina.
To give you an idea of the town, put this picture in your head:
Cross Branson, MO, with The Wisconsin Dells. Throw in a pinch of Wall Drug, and then cram it all together. Sounds great, right?
No, it should not sound great at all. It was scary. It took us an hour to drive 9 miles (that’s 9 mph for those of you playing at home) because of the touristy traffic.
But, gentle readers, this is not a sad story. Nay, we are here for good news! Our cabin was wonderful. It was up in the foothills of Pigeon Forge, TN, and nary a toothless person was to be found. In fact, it was nice and quiet. You can see pictures of the cabin here to give you an idea of the splendor in which we dwelled for three glorious nights. After the 11-plus hour drive on Thursday, we settled in to the hot tub for some R and R. On Friday we went to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and toured Cades Cove. It’s meant to be an auto tour, so we drove the 11 mile loop of the Cove and saw all the buildings. We grilled steaks on Friday night, and ate and drank ourselves silly. More hotubbing ensued, under the stars. We woke Saturday, and eventually headed back to the park. This time we went on two separate short hikes. I have to say that TLEMK was very stalwart on these hikes, not complaining once, even though she had a giant bruise and abrasion on her knee from falling down three stairs while we were packing. Laurel Falls was beautiful– Rich, you really should go on it. No bears, but we saw lots of deer. Overall. a wonderful experience. The park was very busy, but most of the people were very nice. (There is something to be said for Southern hospitality.) We can’t wait to go back… now I want to know which park we’re going to next. This entry really doesn’t do it justice. Suffice to say, we had a wonderful, romantic, rejuvenating time.
Jun 20
2005
Tony| Category: General, Exploring |
(Tentatively subtitled: On One Man’s Journey Through the Suburbs as it Relates to Hades)
As some of you may have noticed, I mentioned that I am going to try to get back in shape by riding a bicycle. So on Saturday, I took my bike out of the storage shed (it hissed at the daylight…) and brought it to get it tuned up at Rich’s. (Rich would have a link, but he’s too lazy to blog.) After an hour of tinkering and teaching, the bike was deemed temporarily road-worthy.
Sunday rolls around, and V and I are going separate ways to cover Father’s Day, so I decided in my finite wisdom that I should ride my bike from my place to my mom’s place in Warrenville. Now if you drive from Casa del K to the G Compound, it’s a little over 10 miles. But to bike there, along trails such as the Geneva Spur (see the map here ) might take me way out of my way.
And out of its way it did take me. I picked up the Geneva Spur on Kirk Road, right near IL-38 (Roosevelt) Keep in mind that I could SEE Roosevelt from where I decided to go east. I wound through several great parks and marsh areas, through the DuPage Airport, and next to Prairie Landing Golf Club. Now please remember, gentle readers, that I haven’t been on a bike in a year and change. I have no stamina. I’m tired 35 minutes into it, because that’s how long I usually am on the elliptical in the clubhouse. And, I don’t really know where I’m going, because I figured I would have to make it up as I went.
Back to the trail. I’ve been riding in relative solitude, down shifting whenever I’m tired, when all of a sudden I run back into normal civlization. What all the research fails to tell me is that a good chunk of the Geneva Spur goes through downtown West Chicago, including through back alleys and around firestations. It is not the prairie path that I am used to. Thankfully, someone spray painted blue arrows to show unprepared people like me where to go. I was also surprised to see the downtown of West Chicago, since I didn’t really know it existed. So, to be a man, I have to ride my bike, and not take a break, and not walk with it, even though I was tired. Very sleepy. After about 10 minutes of navigating through the downtown area, I made it to IL-59 and Main St. (who knew there was a Main St.?) I regained my stamina and continued on. The path continued to wind through the neighborhood, eventually spitting me back out onto the peaceful crushed limestone. (Thank you, blue arrows for getting me there!)
Since I didn’t know where I was really going, I wasn’t paying attention to the direction that the path was taking me. After about an hour of riding total, the path spit me out at Geneva Rd. and Winfield Rd., which is TWO MILES NORTH of where I started. (I MapQuested it.) Needless to say, I went way out of my way, and started biking through downtown Winfield. (all sidewalks) I gave in when I saw a big hill. My body was Very Angry with me, and told me in no uncertain terms that I’d better walk for a bit. The conversation went something like this:
Brain: We’re getting closer. Just get through downtown Winfield and we’ll be 3 miles from home.
Body: NO. Stop or I will kill us.
Legs: Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow
Brain: Should I lay down in the fetal position?
Body: You will never get up.
Legs: Ow ow ow ow ow ow
Brain: Ok, I’ll suck it up and lose face by walking my bike.
Body: Then I think we will live.
Legs: walking, walking, wal-King!
So I became the sally fat guy that I like to make fun of as I’m driving; The Guy Who Had to Walk His Bike to Recuperate.
Finally, I got to Winfield and Roosevelt, and got back on my bike. I was determined to finish the last 2 and change miles with my butt in the saddle.
It hurts to get back in the saddle.
Somehow, someway, I made it. Once I got to Butterfield and Winfield, it was easy. The last mile took me maybe 5 minutes, because I knew I was in the home stretch. (Also, possibly because it slants ever so gently downhill, the whole way.)
Things to do next time:
Carry water with me.
Don’t bring giant backpack.
Know where I’m going better.
Overall, it was worth it, but I need to be better prepared, and have a more direct plan. This made me think…
My great idea for the month:
There needs to be a website that can create directions for bike trails. It would incorporate forest preserve, city, and county trails, and keep people on trails or rideable sidewalks. I think I figured out a better way to get there next time, but there should be a BikeQuest.com to plan it for me.
Either way, it was good to ride again, even if I did have to be a sally in the middle. I went by three public libraries. (West Chicago, Winfield, and Warrenville) My legs aren’t sore today, for some very odd reason. Now if I could just shave a mile or two off of the 17 plus miles that I did, we’d be in good shape.
Back to The Plan today.
